Why are NZ no1 in the world? They got thrashed in the World Cup final by Aus.

Yep but you'll inevitably get 3/4 starters missing out for Eng/NZ/Aus next year with injuries at the end of a long season. It's not the first year we've said "we'll have Reed available for centre next year"

Plus Daryl Clark, who seems to have been dropped on the basis of having had just a good 2015 compared to a stellar 2014. And, perhaps, for not playing in the NRL.

And though I wouldn't have selected him in 2014, Dan Sarginson, when he did get on the field, showed he could get on the outside of his opposite fairly easily and serve up opportunities for Ryan Hall. He ought still to be ahead of his rivals at left centre when fit.

Exactly.

We have plenty of improvement in us also. I can see England running with a bench of Tom and George Burgess, Walmsley and Roby next year and that's a frightening prospect!

Add in the two Sams and I think we can get a little carried away. We're not perfect, we'll be third favourites and we'll need some luck but this England side has probably the best group of players I've ever known in my time watching us.

The coaching position will also be interesting but maybe that debates for another day.

I don't see why we shouldn't be optimistic. We were a whisker away from beating both Australia and NZ in the games last year and We've just beaten NZ in a test series.

We have a very good squad and depth in most positions. IMO if we had a JT or SJ we would already be the #1 side in the world. The challenge for us is developing from a good team to one with that little bit of magic to pull a play out of the hat when it really matters.

What he said.

We had a better kicking game today but we still need 2 decent centres and half backs to compete with OZ/NZ best offerings.

They beat the Aussies in the Four Nations final last year and have won three of the last five FNs and WC finals.

England were also missing players. It's worth remembering that England's 2nd XVII when everyone is fit probably looks something like:

1. Tomkins S
2. Burgess
3. Cudjoe
4. Shenton
5. Lineham
6. Williams
7. Smith
8. Cooper
9. Hodgson
10. Hill
11. Farrell
12. Ablett
13. Cuthbertson

14. Burrow
15. Huby
16. Savelio
17. Ward

It's not exactly a bad side.

Was there a four nations last year?

Yeah remember the Ryan Hall no try against the Aussies in their Blue and Maroon kit? What about the sensational Shaun Johnson in the final?! He made the Aussies look like semi-pros!

You are correct The sensational Shaun Johnson beat several Aussie tacklers to set up Manu Vatuvei's try, and later it was none other than the great Gregory Inglis who was beaten with step, swerve and speed by the sensational Shaun Johnson.